1.5 Lakh Devotees from 19 Countries Converge in Kashi; 25,000 Fire Altars to Be Lit in Vihangam Yoga Mahotsav

Varanasi — The holy city of Kashi is witnessing an extraordinary spiritual gathering as more than 1.5 lakh devotees of Vihangam Yoga from 19 countries arrive to participate in the Samarpan Deep Adhyatma Mahotsav and the 102nd annual celebration of Vihangam Yoga. The influx of followers continued throughout the day, filling the vast tent city set up near the Swarved Mahamandir Dham.

A Massive Spiritual Congregation in 200 Acres

The sprawling tent city, spread across nearly 200 acres over a 3 km radius in Chaubeypur, has come alive with devotees from India and abroad. The majestic Swarved Mahamandir Dham has been decorated with vibrant, colourful lighting brought specially from West Bengal, adding to the festive aura of the celebrations.

Ceremonial Flag Hoisting Marks the Beginning

The annual festival began on Tuesday morning with Satguru Acharya Swatantra Dev Maharaj hoisting a white flag marked with the sacred letter ‘A’, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. In the evening, a soulful recital of the Swarved Katha set the tone for the three-day celebration.

Saint Pragya Vigyan Dev Maharaj announced that on Wednesday morning, around 1.5 lakh devotees will offer sacred oblations simultaneously into 25,000 Vedic hawan kunds, creating one of the largest collective fire offerings in recent memory.

Devotional Activities to Continue Through the Festival

According to the schedule, the rituals commenced on 25 November at 8 AM with the ceremonial hoisting of the flag. On the same evening, from 6 PM to 9 PM, followers immersed themselves in the spiritual nectar of the Swarved Katha delivered by Saint Pragya Vigyan Dev Maharaj.

On Wednesday, the highlight will be the grand Vedic hawan, where followers from India and 18 other nations will participate in mass oblation ceremonies starting at 8 AM across 25,000 fire altars. In the evening, from 5 PM onward, devotees will gather again to listen to the divine discourses of Satguru Acharya Swatantra Dev Maharaj and Saint Pragya Vigyan Dev Maharaj. Cultural performances are also scheduled to fill the atmosphere with devotional vibrance and traditional artistry.